Chapter 5

Stavros

When my brother came off a fresh kill, he was ravenous. Before getting hitched to Whitney, his feast had contained a three-course dinner followed by a raucous round of sex with some woman who had taken his fancy.

Now that he’d met and married a beautiful brat as he loved to call her, he rarely risked his life or health by making a single hit. That had turned the bulk of the unseemly part of our operation to me and my men. Although my younger brother was a damn good marksman as well, even if he preferred being the Consigliere while handling the books.

For me? I’d wanted to sidle up to my favorite pizza joint, ordering an extra-large then indulging on the entire pie while nursing on a bottle of booze, the night of debauchery including watching a 76ers’ basketball game on satellite television.

I’d settled for the booze and quietly searching the internet. I’d also sent a photographed copy of the card to Phoenix after arriving back at my hotel.

The call I’d made to Gabriel Giordano had been met with a deep grumble, but his soldiers had handled the cleanup for me, including calming both the guests and staff at the café. Now I stood at the bank of windows with a desire for something other than hotel coffee, noticing a cute little shop across the street on the corner.

“I do appreciate you getting your men to help,” I told Gabriel. I’d only seen the Brotherhood member in person a few times, but he took being professional to another level altogether. I knew I owed him the same or my brother would be the one kicking my butt.

Gabriel chuckled. “Let me give you a word of advice. Go back to Philly.”

“Are you saying that rhetorically or because you’ve heard something?”

“Maybe both. Whatever went down, the streets are crawling with gossip about the Diamondis clan and a possible link to organized crime out of Ireland. It’s odd and unnerving and I’ve heard it all.”

Ireland?

That wasn’t our territory and from what I knew, my uncle hadn’t ventured out of Greece in a long time.

The asshole who in my mind had orchestrated the events in Philly and New York was still playing a game, which could mean he’d planned on the fact I’d kill the two marks, finding nothing but frustration in my talks with them. “You’ve never heard of the person or people involved? Any idea who they are?”

“No, but I’ve chatted with Phoenix and the other members of the Brotherhood. They are suspicious but it’s too early to be certain. My men and the entire Brotherhood will keep watch to ensure this is an isolated situation, which I regret for you and your regime.” He laughed. “I’ve been enjoying quieter times over the past few months. I’d be a pissed New Yorker if that’s about to end.”

Every damn member of the Brotherhood was hooked up with a lady. It had to be some criteria or something.

“I get it. I’m leaving this morning. One other small act of business I need to attend to then I’m gone.”

“I’ll let you know if I hear anything but don’t expect it.”

No, I knew better than to expect anything. The world of mafia organizations was closemouthed for good reasons. Talking got you killed. After Gabriel ended the call, I held the phone in my hand for a few seconds as I continued to stare out the window. Every third thought had drifted to Jenna, which was ridiculous. I shoved my phone into my pocket, able to laugh at the fact a feisty woman had managed to drag me away from my usual focus.

The coffee from across the street was calling my name but I’d need to make it quick since I had a conference call in twenty minutes. I’d granted Marku a fifteen-minute conversation and nothing more. I was still angry, and so was Christos. Although I had to admit that I had certain reservations about leaving and it was all because of the attraction I’d felt to the woman. That wasn’t like me at all.

I grabbed my wallet and hotel room card, heading out the door toward the elevator. A stiff cup of java could quench my thirst while nursing my throbbing headache.

And for some crazy reason, as I stepped into the elevator, all I could think about was Jenna instead of the bastard trying to play us.

Maybe there was some truth to the old adage that there was a woman fueling every powerful man.

Jenna

“Wow. You look like shit,” Charlotte said as soon as she sat down in front of me.

I slowly lifted my head, wincing from the bright sun. “Maybe that’s because I didn’t get a wink of sleep last night.” Or that I had been almost killed by one crazed man and spanked by another, followed by the sexy, rugged, and oh-so dangerous perpetrator leaving me an envelope of cash.

Ten thousand dollars to be exact. I’d counted and recounted the wad while pouring glass after glass of cheap cabernet. Maybe the next drunken night I could at least afford a decent bottle instead of the rotgut that had left me with a head the size of an overinflated basketball.

“Thanks ever so much, Miss Chipper.”

I wasn’t telling a lie. Charlotte Hudson had graduated a year ahead of me, only with an entirely different degree. She and I had developed a friendship, her parents from New York, which was another reason I didn’t feel so alone in the big city. She’d also been the one to help me find an apartment, granted a cheap-ass three-room place with the tiniest galley kitchen but right now, it was all I needed.

She giggled and leaned over the table. “Stop worrying about the clinic. I’m telling you that it’s going to be an incredible success.”

I glanced out the window, noticing the same guy I could swear I’d seen before standing in the same spot on the other side of the street. Okay, so there wasn’t a single street that wasn’t clogged with cars, which meant I couldn’t tell if he was looking at this business or one of ten others, but I had a creepy feeling that I hadn’t been able to get rid of.

Charlotte waved her hand in front of my face, drawing my attention back to our coffee date, which we tried to keep once a week at least. With her working most nights, and me days, our times spent together had been severely limited.

“I have confidence the clinic will take off. I have a couple of new clients coming in today and that will build in time. Plus, I was able to secure a small, teensy tiny amount of advertising so that should help. And my website and Facebook pages are up and running.”

“Well, see. Then what is going on? Why are you so jumpy?”

I closed my eyes, involuntarily rubbing my fingers across my lips. The kiss had been so heated I’d remained against the wall for a solid fifteen minutes. After that I’d paced the floor in my clinic, horrified that I hadn’t told the police. Why? The crazed man hadn’t looked at my wallet to see my address. And I doubted he’d follow me home.

By the time I’d walked out maybe thirty minutes later, I hadn’t bothered looking toward the direction of the dead body, simply keeping my head down and rushing home. I’d skipped my usual subway stop, heading toward another one just to be certain I hadn’t been followed.

Maybe that’s why I had the creepy crawlies this morning.

I was angry for not picking up the phone or going to the closest police precinct. Sadly, I wasn’t entirely certain what I could have told them. Yes, I had seen the killer up close and personal. Sure, his fingerprints were likely all over my clinic, but I had a feeling I wouldn’t have been believed. Or maybe I’d seen too many movies where the perpetrator wasn’t in the system, as if he didn’t exist.

Or maybe I was just making excuses for why I’d been terrified all night long.

At this point, I had to share my experience with someone, even if I needed to keep certain details out of the story. “I had a late-night visitor.”

“What? What does that mean?” I knew I would alarm her no matter what I said. “Some hot guy?”

Yes, and no.

“Stop worrying. At the clinic. It means he… He had an injured dog. It was my first client.”

“Then why are you acting like he was a crazed masked man?”

I finally was able to giggle, even though the sound was strange to me. “Stop. Goofy. Don’t be so dramatic. It’s just that we kind of hit it off.”

“Oh, yeah?” She winked as if I’d found my soulmate.

“Not quite like that but there was a strong connection that we couldn’t deny.”

“Just how strong are we talking about?” she teased.

“As in he kissed me.” I said it quickly before I was too embarrassed.

She narrowed her eyes then opened them wide, squealing like I’d just won the lottery. “You’re kidding me?”

“No.”

“How was it?”

“Dreamy.” Who the hell said dreamy any longer? “The most passionate kiss I’ve ever experienced. It was as if he knew exactly what I needed, so possessive that I couldn’t have gotten away yet so incredible and full of desire that I was left breathless, moaning into the kiss, my body tingling all over long after he pulled away. And the electricity, whew.” I waved my hand in front of my face because I was getting hot flashes all over again like I’d experienced the night before.

“Oh, God. Please tell me that he wasn’t an ugly toad.”

“Oh, no. He was perhaps the hottest man on the face of the earth.” I was being honest.

Even if the asshole was still a killer.

“And please tell me that you got his number or something.”

“Oops.”

“What in God’s name is wrong with you? Surely, he paid using a credit card. Just find out who he is the old-fashioned way. Stalk him.”

“You are so bad. No, he paid in cash. A lot of cash.”

“What do you mean a lot?”

“Try ten grand.” I cringed after making the statement. No one in their right mind did that unless they were trying for a payoff. Maybe that’s why he’d handed me the wad of cash in the first place.

She almost knocked over her coffee. “Hold on here. What the hell did you need to do and what kind of dog was this?”

“Just a mixed breed and I removed a bullet.” See. At least I wasn’t lying completely.

“Whoa. That is insane. Maybe he just robbed a bank or something,” Charlotte huffed.

We both laughed until an approaching man caught my attention. He really captured my attention, even enraptured me. Suddenly, it was as if all time stopped. It was him, my mystery man. The one who’d saved my life, spanked me, terrified me, and kissed me. And the one who gave me enough money to purchase some cheap furniture. He couldn’t be coming in here. There was no way.

But here he was.

In fact, he was making a beeline for the place, which had me clamping my fingers around the edge of the table with enough pressure my hand ached. Was he going back on the promise he made? Wait. I’d made one to him. Oh, dear God.

“What’s wrong? You’re pale.”

I tried to act nonchalant as he opened the door, taking long strides inside. Thankfully, it wasn’t obvious he’d seen me, nor did it appear he was looking for anyone. He merely headed for the short line, even pulling out his wallet.

“Nothing. I think I just need to get something to eat.”

“How about a bagel? I’ll get you one.” When Charlotte tried to stand, I grabbed her wrist.

“No. I’ll get something on the way on the way to the clinic. I just want to relax and drink my coffee.”

“Okay. Then tell me more about this hunk you met. Did he have a handsome face? Sexy body?”

“Very much so. Every part of him was chiseled. Chef’s kiss.” I pressed my thumb and index finger together, touching my lips.

“Ooh-la-la, baby. Maybe his visit was a good omen, although the amount of money is really odd. Are you sure it’s not counterfeit?’

“Well, I did use a ten from it to purchase my coffee a few minutes ago.” I snuck a quick look over my shoulder, sucking in my breath. He was even more gorgeous than the night before, the lighter gray suit a perfect fit for him. I had a feeling whatever his name, he was a very rich man, the suits likely tailored for him.

“Let’s just hope no one calls the police out of the blue.”

“Why would they do that?” My voice had suddenly gotten too loud. I crouched down, looking away immediately. He’d already moved up to the front of the line. If I could keep from looking at him, maybe he’d walk right past me and out the door.

A girl could hope for miracles.

“What is going on with you? You look like you just saw a ghost.” Charlotte must have realized I’d seen someone, narrowing her eyes as she glanced slyly toward the counter.

“Don’t. Don’t do it.”

“Why is that man staring at our table? I mean, he’s hot as shit but why?”

Swallowing, I slowly turned my head, trying to keep from moaning outright. My gorgeous mystery man, the one I was both attracted to and terrified of was standing with a steaming cup of coffee in his hand, his eyes locking on mine.

And for the next full minute, maybe longer, there was nothing and no one else in the shop. As soon as he started to walk closer, every muscle tensed, the sharp cry of electric current rushing through me even stronger than it had been the night before. I was in awe as well as trembling with fear, and the way his nostrils flared as he finally allowed his gaze to fall from my face to the colorful scrubs I was wearing complete with matching fuchsia tennis shoes told me in no uncertain terms the man was undressing me with his eyes.

But just like that, he walked out without saying a word. But I could have sworn I heard a growl.

“What. Was. That?” Charlotte asked.

I took a sip of lukewarm coffee, suddenly hating the bitter taste. “A firestorm.”

Stavros

“What the fuck did you think you were doing gunning down four of my best men?” Viktor barked the moment I answered the call.

“You were five minutes late, Marku. I do not like tardiness. And you obviously overestimated my abilities. I’m flattered.” Maybe someone else had taken advantage of the fact I’d hunted down two of his men. What a shame.

“Fuck you. Answer my goddamn question.”

I controlled my fury, even managing to laugh, but the man should know you didn’t want to rile a Greek. “I will when you cease approaching any of the Diamondis Corporation’s customers. You know damn good and well before you made that mistake it wouldn’t be tolerated. I’m going to give you one warning. There will not be a second. If you dare attempt anything like that again, we will bring more than just the wrath of God down on you. Do you hear me? Fucking stay out of Philly. Shit that stinks doesn’t belong there.”

He laughed as if he didn’t have a care in the world, which for some reason was more disconcerting than usual. Men at our level of power never showed fear. Not even the moment we faced death. It wasn’t good for the reputation of the entire organization. Plus, I was pissed how the events had gone down, furious that it felt like I’d lost control. That wasn’t like me. And what the hell had happened with the basic rules of honor the entire New York clan of syndicates was supposed to be following?

“Now, I’ll give you a piece of advice, Diamondis. Be careful. If there’s one thing I’m very good at, it’s finding weakness and I assure you that you have one. As a matter of fact, I know you do. Be mindful of your back, Greek pig.”

With that he hung up. I wasn’t certain if he really thought that shit was going to scare me. It didn’t in the least. The man was nothing but a blowhard.

I slipped my phone into my jacket pocket, immediately heading to the bed to zip my suitcase. When I heard a knock on my door, I grabbed the case and brought it with me, immediately reaching for my weapon just in case the asshole had been standing outside.

When I opened the door, Christos could tell I was tense.

“Whoa, boss man. Are you okay?”

“Just dandy. Let’s get the hell out New York City.”

Before I littered the streets with more Albanian bodies.

“Okay, but I think there’s something you need to see,” Christos said. “Something you’re not going to like.”